An indefatigable sandwich shop proprietor at 3 Elm Row has reapplied to change the premises' use to a hot food takeaway, just 4 months after his last application was refused (Ref. 11/00372/FUL).
Detailed reasons were given for the Council's decision back in October 2010, the most crucial of which was: 'The proposal is contrary to Edinburgh City Local Plan Policy Ret 9 in respect of Alternative Use of Shop Units – Primary Frontages in the City Centre and Town Centres, as it would increase the number of authorised, non-retail premises from 6 to 7 (35% to 41%) within the defined retail frontage of this part of Elm Row (total of 17 units) and that the loss of the existing retail, class 1 use at the premises would further erode the number of retail units within the defined frontage to the detriment of the existing vitality and viability of this part of the defined local retail centre'.
Mr Osman Simsek is nothing daunted. As part of his latest submission, he again includes a statement in support of the application. Here, his agent seems to acknowledge the Council's point but nevertheless seeks a sympathetic response. As we reported in Breaking news (12.10.10), Mr Simsek's search for a new commercial niche reflects mounting pressures on small, independent businesses in this part of the city centre; pressures which will only mount with the recent arrival of Tesco at Picardy Place.
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Forth Energy's application under s.36 of the Electricity Act 1989 for the Scottish Ministers' consent to construct and operate a proposed biomass power plant at the Port of Leith is viewable at Ref. 11/00246/OPA. Although the Imperial Dock is not strictly speaking within Greater Spurtleshire, we feel the proposal is of sufficient citywide interest to merit its inclusion here.